Quote Originally Posted by Candyfloss View Post
CSM is going to gobble up epoxy.
That's the aim: build an epoxy barrier coating, and give a bit of protection to the wood against small scratches, not to reinforce the hull in any way, or give any real protection. What does a total of 30oz./sq/yr change to 2' of planking backed by 4 x 5 laminated frames every 16'? And what protection against shocks would be needed for a 75 tons vessel: pretty thick I'm afraid! Well: the wood, nicely bouncing, does that quite well all by itself...up to a point,of course!
This is still undecided, though, but I do not feel inclined to using expensive polyester, but rather quadri-axial or double bias or satin...or simply build up with CSM as I said: 5 to 10% difference in glass/ resin content, and no excessive rigidity. Not significant difference between them all. "Epoxyworks" (West System) opinion seems mitigated, too....
Largest boat using West System (700 tons, 3 masted barque Tenacious) is sheathed with about 100oz./sq/yd of woven and quadriaxial fabric (5 layers) over her 3' thick planking. No CSM.....